Posts from March 2016

May 1st (May Day) is known worldwide as Labour Day, la Fête du Travail. France also celebrates it with demonstrations, trade union parades and lilies of the valley. This little white flower is considered as a porte-bonheur (lucky charm): it actually works like that, as 1st of May is a jour férié (bank holiday), since 1870, and so people […]

Joyeux anniversaire (Happy Birthday) is usually what you get for your birthday, but today something more royal is applicable. You certainly cannot wish happy birthday to the Queen in the same way you would wish it to your best friend or your child. You can actually celebrate her birthday; you just won’t be able to wish […]

Easter with its rabbits and our overdose of chocolate is on its way; the 1st of April with its foolish jokes is behind us and daffodils are blooming. There we are: spring is in the air, with its sunny (and still not so warm) days. Children are allowed to wear the summer school uniform, but […]

For any British form you have to fill in, you have to mention your surname. Never, or rarely, someone asks you for your surnom in French. If ever it happens, you have to tell your nickname. Whereas surname in French would be requested as is nom de famille (family name) or, in a formal language […]